For a long time, the spectators in the Lonza Arena saw an open game. Finland was the more active team from the start, but Italy also had a number of dangerous opportunities.
After a goalless first period, it was the Italians who took the lead thanks to a quick counter-attack. However, Finland immediately found the right answer and equalised the game just 26 seconds later. Adam Wolin gave the Scandinavians the lead for the first time before the second break.
The tension was palpable in the air and it became clear that the next goal would be decisive. Pietsalo was able to score this important next goal for Finland in overtime and with Hyvönen making it 1:4 shortly afterwards, the game definitely seemed to be tipping in favour of the Northern Europeans. However, Italy did not give up and Di Stasio equalised with 6 minutes to go to make it 2:4.
However, the expected fireworks from the Italians at the end of the game largely failed to materialise. Instead, Finland scored the winning penalty to make the final score 5:2.
